Which of the following best explains the significance of the Japanese tea ceremony in the medieval period?
A. The Japanese tea ceremony was a new type of cultural performance similar to a Noh or Kyogen performance
B. the Japanese tea ceremony was a ritual that brought powerful people together in social situations for a variety of purposes.
C. Tea culture declined in popularity and became less significant because of the influence of Zen Buddhism.
D. Tea ceremonies offered new opportunities primarily for the lower classes rather than upper class members of Japanese society.